In the 1980s Nissan Patrol has gained a reputation as one of the most reliable and off-road SUVs in the world. This model, also known as Y60 (second generation) and Y61 (the third generation, which debuted in 1987), became a symbol of an era - a time when SUVs were not just vehicles, but true partners for travel and extreme adventures. Unlike modern SUVs, Patrol those years was created for off-road use, and its design still inspires respect among car enthusiasts.

Today original copies Nissan Patrol 80s is a rarity that is valued by collectors and lovers of retro technology. But before buying such a car, it is important to understand its features: from engines with mechanical injection to the specifics of the transmission, which requires special attention. In this article we will analyze the history of the model, technical nuances, typical problems and give practical advice on operation - so that your Patrol served faithfully for decades to come.

History of the Nissan Patrol of the 80s: from Y60 to Y61

Second generation Nissan Patrol (Y60, 1980–1987) was revolutionary for the brand. The car received a completely new frame, independent front suspension (in some modifications) and more powerful engines. However, the real breakthrough came in 1987 with the debut of the third generation - Y61, which was produced until 1994. This version has become the most popular among off-road enthusiasts thanks to:

  • 🔧 Reinforced frame with integrated towing eyes.
  • 🚙 Permanent all-wheel drive (in top trim levels) with a locking center differential.
  • 💨 Diesel engines series RD28 And TD42, famous for its “indestructibility”.
  • 🌍 Export modifications, adapted to different climatic conditions (from the deserts of the Middle East to the snows of Canada).

I wonder what Patrol Y61 became the first SUV Nissan, which was officially supplied to the USA under the name Nissan Safari (due to naming rights Patrol, belonging to another manufacturer). In Australia and Europe, the model retained the original name, and in Japan it was sold as Nissan Safari (KY60/KY61).

Key event for Patrol was 1989, when the car won the rally Paris-Dakar in the class of diesel SUVs. This achievement underlined its reputation as a machine capable of overcoming any obstacle.

📊 Which 80s Nissan Patrol engine do you think is the most reliable?
  • Petrol P40 (4.0 l)
  • Diesel RD28 (2.8 l)
  • Diesel TD42 (4.2 l)
  • Another option

Technical specifications: engines and transmission

Anyone's heart Nissan Patrol The 80s is its engine. Depending on the market and year of manufacture, the car was equipped with the following power units:

Engine model Type Volume Power Features
P40 Gasoline, carburetor 4.0 l 160–170 hp Reliable, but gluttonous. Demanding on fuel quality.
RD28 Diesel, mechanical injection pump 2.8 l 95–105 hp Economical, but sensitive to overheating. Resource up to 500,000 km.
TD42 Diesel, mechanical injection pump 4.2 l 116–135 hp Legendary motor with a service life of 1,000,000+ km with proper maintenance. Popular in Australia and Africa.
TB42 Gasoline, injector 4.2 l 190–205 hp Rare Middle East version. Difficulties with spare parts.

Transmission Patrol The 80s also deserves special attention. Most models were equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission (FS5R30A), which is considered one of the most reliable in history Nissan. Automatic transmission (RE4R01A) was less common and was inferior to “mechanics” in strength. Important details:

  • 🔄 Transfer case with reduction gear (2.0:1) and a locking center differential - standard for all versions.
  • 🛠️ Weak point: secondary shaft bearings in manual transmissions with mileage over 300,000 km.
  • ⚙️ Recommended oil for manual transmission: GL-4 80W-90 (synthetics are optional).
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a metallic grinding sound when driving in a low gear, this may indicate wear on the transfer case gears. In this case, immediate diagnosis is required - repairs will cost less than replacing the entire unit.

Body and chassis: what you need to know before buying

Body Nissan Patrol The 80s is made of steel with a thickness of 1.2–1.5 mm, which provides high strength, but the weight of the car reaches 2.5–3 tons. The main problems that owners face:

  • 🔈 Corrosion thresholds, rear arches and spring mounting points. Cars from Europe and Japan are especially vulnerable.
  • 🚪 Sagging doors due to wear on the hinges - a typical problem for specimens over 30 years old.
  • 🔩 Cracks in the frame in the spring mounting areas (typical for cars with mileage over 400,000 km).

Suspension Patrol built on the basis of a dependent design with springs at the front and rear (with the exception of rare versions with front springs). This provides excellent maneuverability, but requires regular maintenance:

Inspect the springs for cracks and metal fatigue|

Check shock absorbers for leaks and damping efficiency|

Make sure there is no play in the ball joints and steering rods|

Bleed the brake system (the hydraulic drive is prone to airing) -->

Particular attention should be paid to the braking system. Patrol The 80s were equipped with drum brakes at the rear and disc brakes at the front (in top versions there were discs on all wheels). Brake master cylinder (AKE40-41010) and vacuum booster are weak points that often fail after 20–25 years of operation.

⚠️ Attention: If the brake pedal "sinks" to the floor when you press it, this may indicate wear on the master cylinder or a brake fluid leak. Operating a car in this condition is dangerous!

Tuning and modernization: what can be improved

Despite the legendary reliability, Nissan Patrol The 80s can and should be modernized for comfortable use in the 21st century. Here are the most popular tuning areas:

  • 🔋 Electronics: Replacing the standard generator with a more powerful one (from Nissan TD42 later releases), installation of an additional battery.
  • 🛢️ Fuel system: Replacing a mechanical injection pump with an electronic one (for diesel engines) TD42) or system installation Common Rail (needs serious improvement).
  • 🚗 Suspension: Installing springs instead of springs (increases comfort, but reduces load capacity) or reinforced springs from Patrol GR.
  • 🔦 Optics: Replacement of halogen headlights with LED ones (following UNECE rules for legalization).

One of the most requested improvements is replacing the standard cooling systems. The radiator of the original design often cannot cope with the loads in traffic jams or when towing, which leads to overheating. The solution is to install an aluminum radiator of increased volume (for example, from Mishimoto) and an electric fan with a thermostat.

Which engine is better for a swap?

The most popular swap options for Nissan Patrol of the 80s:

1. **TD42T** (turbocharged version of the 4.2-liter diesel engine) - requires minimal modifications.

2. **1HZ/1HD-T** (Toyota) - reliable, but will require gearbox adaptation.

3. **OM617** (Mercedes) - the legendary “millionaire”, but difficult to install due to its size.

4. **Cummins 4BT** - last resort option for extreme off-road use, but will require a complete rebuild of the engine compartment.

When tuning a transmission, many owners install differential locks (For example, ARB Air Locker) to increase cross-country ability. However

Typical problems and their solutions

Even the most reliable car has weaknesses. U Nissan Patrol In the 1980s, the most common problems were related to age and design specifics. Here's what you need to check first:

Problem Reason Solution
Vibration at speeds of 80–100 km/h Imbalance of cardan shafts or wear of crosspieces Balancing shafts, replacing crosspieces (Nissan 37110-4W000)
Oil leak from under the valve cover Gasket wear or cover deformation Replacing the gasket (Nissan 11044-4W000) with checking the flatness of the cover
Poor cold start Worn glow plugs (diesel) or carburetor (gasoline) Replacing spark plugs (Beru GN4) or carburetor repair
Grinding noise when turning the steering wheel Worn ball joints or steering rack Replacing supports (Nissan 48520-4W000) or slats assembled

Deserves special attention diesel injection system. Mechanical injection pump (Bosch VE or Zexel) is sensitive to fuel quality and requires adjustment every 50,000 km. Signs of malfunction:

  • 🔥 Smoky exhaust (black - fuel overflow, white - water in the system).
  • 🚗 Jerks during acceleration.
  • 🛢️ Increased fuel consumption (more than 15 l/100 km for TD42).
💡

Before a long trip on a diesel Patrol, be sure to check the fuel level in the tank. The mechanical injection pump is sensitive to air leaks when the fuel level is low, which can lead to engine shutdown.

Another typical problem is electrician. Over time, the contacts in the fuse box oxidize, relays fail (especially the starter relay Nissan 25230-4W000). The solution is a complete revision of the wiring, replacing damaged sections and installing additional fuses.

How to choose a Nissan Patrol of the 80s: buyer's checklist

When buying a retro SUV, it’s easy to fall into a “pig in a poke.” To avoid errors, follow this algorithm:

  1. Document verification: Make sure the VIN number is on the frame (under the hood or on the side member) coincides with PTS. The lack of original documents is a reason for doubt.
  2. Body inspection: Use a thickness gauge to check the paintwork. The norm for original paint is 80–120 microns.
  3. Engine diagnostics: Measure the compression (standard for TD42: 28–32 kg/cm² in all cylinders). A variation of more than 2 kg/cm² is a sign of wear.
  4. Test drive: Please note:
    • Smooth gear shifting (crunching indicates wear of the synchronizers).
    • No vibrations on the steering wheel (may indicate wheel imbalance or wear on CV joints).
    • Brake efficiency (braking distance from 80 km/h should not exceed 40 meters).

Pay special attention historical information car. If Patrol was operated in countries with a hot climate (for example, the UAE or Saudi Arabia), there is a high probability of engine overheating and wear of the cooling system. Cars from Japan are generally in better condition, but may have corrosion problems due to salty roads.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide the car for independent diagnostics or insists on prepayment without inspection, this is a reason to refuse the deal. Vintage cars are often sold with hidden defects!

Operation and maintenance: advice from owners

Service Nissan Patrol The 80s has its own characteristics. Here are key recommendations from experienced owners:

  • 🛢️ Oils and liquids:
    • Engine (diesel): 15W-40 (For example, Mobil Delvac MX).
    • Manual transmission: 80W-90 GL-4 (replacement every 60,000 km).
    • Bridges: 85W-140 GL-5 (required limited slip for locking differentials).
  • ⚙️ Adjustments: Every 20,000 km, check the valve clearances (0.35 mm at the inlet, 0.40 mm on release for TD42).
  • 🔧 Off-road tuning: Install crankcase protection (4x4 Parts Australia) and reinforced suspension arms.

Winter operation Patrol requires special preparation. Diesel engines have difficulty starting at temperatures below -15°C, so it is recommended:

  • 🔥 Install pre-heater (Webasto or Eberspacher).
  • 🛢️ Use winter diesel fuel with additives (Liqui Moly Diesel Fliess-Fit).
  • 🔋 Check the battery capacity (optimally - 100 Ah or more).
💡

Regular flushing of the fuel tank (every 50,000 km) is a mandatory procedure for diesel Patrols. Sediment and water in the tank lead to failure of the injection pump, the repair of which will cost 30,000–50,000 rubles.

For petrol versions (P40) fuel quality is critical. Using modern 95 octane gasoline may cause detonation due to incompatibility with the carburetor. The solution is to install an octane corrector or switch to an injection system.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install air conditioning on an 80s Patrol if it didn't come with it from the factory?

Yes, but it will require serious modifications. Required:

  1. Install the compressor (suitable from Nissan Terrano II).
  2. Lay the lines and install the air conditioner radiator.
  3. Modify the instrument panel to accommodate the control unit.

The cost of work is from 80,000 rubles. Alternative: autonomous air conditioner Cool-Am (about 30,000 rubles).

What is the fuel consumption of the Patrol Y61 with the TD42 engine?

Depends on operating conditions:

  • City: 16–18 l/100 km.
  • Highway (90 km/h): 12–14 l/100 km.
  • Off-road: 20–25 l/100 km (using low gear).

To reduce consumption it is recommended:

  • Check tire pressure (optimally 2.2 atm).
  • Use synthetic oil 5W-40 to reduce friction.
What tires are best for the 80s Patrol?

Optimal sizes:

  • 235/85 R16 - standard for most versions.
  • 265/75 R16 — for a light lift (up to 5 cm).
  • 31x10.5 R15 — for serious off-road use (requires cutting of arches).

Recommended models:

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 - a universal option.
  • Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ - for extreme off-road.
  • Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 - the best choice for asphalt.
How much does it cost to restore a Patrol Y61 in Russia?

The cost depends on the condition of the car:

Type of work Cost (RUB)
Engine overhaul TD42 150 000–250 000
Replacing springs and shock absorbers 80 000–120 000
Full body painting 200 000–400 000
Installing differential locks 100,000–150,000 (for both bridges)

Complete restoration from scratch will cost 1–1.5 million rubles. It is not recommended to save on spare parts - original parts (Nissan OEM) or high-quality analogues (Febi, Meyle) will last longer.

Where can I find parts for the 80's Patrol?

Main sources:

  • Official dealers Nissan: Some parts (such as bearings or seals) are still available using original part numbers.
  • Specialized stores:
    • 4x4 Parts Australia (delivery to Russia through intermediaries).
    • Patrol4x4 (Europe, wide range for retro models).
  • Showdown: Donor cars can still be found in the UAE, Australia and Japan. Average engine cost TD42 for disassembly - 150,000–200,000 rubles.
  • 3D printing: For rare plastic parts (for example, handles or cladding), replicas can be ordered from specialized workshops.

Tip: Join Owner Communities Patrol (For example, vk.com/patrolclub or forum.4x4.ru) - they often sell used spare parts in good condition.